Undoubtedly, IoT offers a new range of possibilities for businesses and individuals. While we enjoy the unsullied offerings of IOT, we set aside the threats that it brings along. In IoT seminars whenever a question related to its security is raised, the conversation is either halted in the middle or detoured towards less important subjects like cars, cooking appliances, and smart watches. It’s still a mystery whether the securities of less fashionable products like webcams and valve sensor are vulnerable or not. But, the generation is so much eager to adopt this new wave of technology that they have completely neglected the safety measures.

IoT and connected devices are found in abundance in different sectors of healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and utility management; still the safety measures have been compromised. Meaning, our world is transcending to a new era of technology leaving the critical infrastructures of development vulnerable to external threats.

Many companies throughout the world are still in dilemma of whether or not implementing connected technologies in their business. The increasing threats to the security of connected devices and the vulnerability of IOT have compelled many international business houses to hold their steps back from adopting this innovation. Forrester has even predicted that the growth of IoT might even fall to the bottom of the pit hole if the security issues are mitigated.

Needless-to-say, IoT is the next generation in the future of technology. However, businesses must choose and deploy the right IoT solution. This will help them to achieve valuable insights and take their business to the new level, while their infrastructure assets and data remain protected from external casualties.

Can IoT Safety Issues be Resolved?

Reinforcing your products and equipment with IoT is a good thing. But, while purchasing IoT technology it is essential to check the level of security installed in each device. Let us assume that you are purchasing an IP camera for your network. You can find an assortment of IP cameras in the market, but how can you know which one works best for your company. Amongst all, there are many IP cameras that can be easily hacked by resetting them to the factory settings, making them unreliable for your business entity.

Government bodies are also taking this threat seriously. Regulators have taken a strict stance and have warned IoT sensor manufacturers to take required steps in securing their products. To eradicate this issue consumers also should beware of the casualties regarding unsecured IoT and connected devices. Here are four starting points to start with.

Transcend Beyond the Spectrum of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is essential for businesses; it allows the whole entity to connect with the internet and ensures fast deployments. But in organizations like healthcare and manufacturing where information is critical, it is essential to secure the database and minimize exposure. Consult with your engineers and install specialized communication protocols to mitigate the loss of information. Wi-Fi connects you to the global internet, making your system vulnerable. This, in turn, can enable hackers to access your system and dig out confidential information. Minimize the requirement of connecting every device to the internet and minimize their exposure to external threats.

Think Twice Before Using Open Source Software

It is obvious that there are thousands of IoT startups eager to take their products to the market. And Open Source is a cheap yet flexible route for manufacturers to get their products recognized in the market. And, most companies rely on open source technology when it comes to IoT. The bad news is open source is prone to external threats. Open source software can be exploited rapidly, and hackers always aware of what’s new in open source market. Therefore, your IT team should always have a bird’s eye view while using technologies based on open source code.

Hire Right Personnel

IoT is complex and it should be handled by personnel with adequate knowledge and skills. You might get 20 resumes in your inbox with 20 different backgrounds, and all of them might be from IoT field. Over the course of time, IoT has encircled, almost, every artificial object that surrounds us. And, a single person cannot qualify in all the elements of IoT. So, it is important to recognize what your company does with connected devices and what sets of skills are essential to manage those applications.

Install Devices with Unique Credentials

Here is a common mistake everyone is making, installing the products as it comes. Remember, factory settings are vulnerable, allowing hackers to easily gain access to your system. Enter a unique password for each device connected to your network. This will improve the security of each connected devices and protect them from external threats.

Summary

It’s certain that our world in becoming a big interconnected network and undermining IoT is not a viable option anymore. To ensure a secured future, companies must prolong towards IoT and connected devices with stout security measures. Otherwise, the information inside an organization will remain fragile and exposed to external threats.